The artistic value of the Internet business model and website design may be questionable, but the necessity for consistent creativity is undeniable. Yet the industry as a whole seems to be declining swiftly to nothing more than more of the same. How about this excuse: "Well all the good ideas are already taken, so I might as well benefit from the ideas of others." We've all heard that one, and to some degree, we might as well call it a legitimate excuse. We can't all be innovators. As much as I would like to tell all those who can't come up with an idea of their own to kindly excuse themselves from the business, it's just not realistic.

But there is a redeeming aspect to it all, and it's this... Those who consistently innovate their own ideas can keep themselves one small step ahead of the replicating masses. That's right. Think of new, original ideas, and you have a slightly better chance of getting a jump on your competition.

If you're one of the copiers, then this article won't do you much good. But if you want to be an innovator, then creativity spurring techniques will be invaluable. Unless you have one idea that will make you rich, a single good idea just won't be enough to get you ahead and keep you ahead. Your creativity must be consistent. Unfortunately, just like writers, we all run into creative blocks on occasion.

So when you run into an obstruction, just how do you dissolve it? Thanks to the artists who cope with these annoyances on a daily basis, many techniques have emerged to help spur our creativity in a forward direction whenever it gets stuck. There are so many techniques, in fact, that they have become something of an art in and of themselves.

The first, and most common creative block is tension. Stress can cause the brain to function far less efficiently. You can alleviate this condition a number of ways. Some people prefer meditation, and others prefer simple deep breathing. Some people practice yoga, and others take hot baths. Whatever method works for you, use it. Stress will do nothing but hamper your progress.

Recent studies are showing a direct correlation between the condition of the mind and the body. If your body is unhealthy, the mind is unhealthy. So be sure to eat nutritious, balanced meals if you want your thoughts to be clear and unrestricted.

Exercise is very important. Not only does physical exercise keep the body (and therefore the mind) healthy, but it also stimulates the brain. When you exert yourself physically, your heart and breath rates increase, sending an increase in the level of blood and oxygen to the brain. It is said that those who exercise regularly display a much higher aptitude for learning and creativity.

Some scientists have stated that a sudden high increase in the level of oxygen sent to the brain can be extremely beneficial to creative thought and learning. One technique for accomplishing this is to breathe deeply in and out into a small plastic bag, sealed around your mouth, for 30 seconds to a minute. You will inhale the oxygen from the bag, exhale carbon dioxide, and then inhale the same carbon dioxide back into your lungs. The body's reaction to the sudden increase in carbon dioxide is to send a surge of fresh oxygen to the brain. Used in moderation, this technique can supposedly do wonders for the clarity of your thoughts.

It is said that water has an odd effect of stimulating creative thought. Though it seems unlikely to me that there would be a direct correlation, I have to admit that many of my greatest ideas have come to me in my shower. When I first read of this discovery, I began noticing some strange things. I came across an article at a hardware review site, in which the writer spoke of an epiphany that occurred to him as he soaked in his hot tub. I came across another article that same week entitled, "A Bathtub Epiphany". Coincidence? Possibly, but I doubt it.

Which brings me to the pinnacle of creativity techniques. Supposedly, a nice, long immersion under water will really get your creativity flowing. Simply dive into a pool, and hold your breath under water for a period of time. With this technique, you combine the presence of water with a quick increase of oxygen to the brain due to your held breath. Many artists and inventors have been said to discover their greatest feats of imagination while performing this technique.

If that sounds a little too crazy for your taste, try going to a park to do some brainstorming. Go to a coffee shop where you can plug in your laptop. Visit a zoo. Anything other than the ordinary can be inspiring. We tend to become unimaginative behind our desks. We need some sort of environmental stimulation to get our minds motivated.

I hope these simple techniques help you out. I know they have served their purpose in my life and work. If you have any creativity ideas you would like to share, email me, or post them on our message boards.